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Abiodun lists random kidnapping, cultism biggest security challenges confronting Ogun

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Abiodun lists random kidnapping, cultism biggest security challenges confronting Ogun

Abiodun lists random kidnapping, cultism biggest security challenges confronting Ogun

 

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has listed random kidnapping and cultism as the biggest security challenges confronting the state.

 

 

Abiodun lists random kidnapping, cultism biggest security challenges confronting Ogun

 

Abiodun who made this known on Wednesday when he played host to the new Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge Zone 2, Johnson Kokumo in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, equally said Ogun with many federal roads would require huge manpower and equipment to monitor criminal activities on the roads.

 

 

 

 

The governor lauded the Air Wing of the Police Force for helping in combating criminal activities, especially kidnapping in the state.

 

 

 

He commends the AIG for his initiative to provide security at Kara and under the Long Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

 

 

 

 

Abiodun explained that the Nigerian Army, through its General Officer Commanding (GOC), had pledged to support the state by deploying tracking equipment to track kidnappers, urging men of the Nigeria Police to work in synergy with the Army to achieve the set objective.

 

“The biggest issues we have today in Ogun State are that of random kidnapping and cult activities.

 

 

 

 

“I believe that the cult activities have abated now because of the joint efforts of the Nigeria Police, the State Security Services, and the Nigerian Army.

 

 

 

 

“However, we are still struggling and dealing with issues that relate to the kidnapping of contractors, farmers, and innocent Ogun State residents. We sincerely hope that as we go along in our relationship, we will collaborate to ensure that we reduce this incident of kidnapping to absolute zero”, the governor said.

 

 

 

 

 

While describing insecurity as an act of sabotage, he said Ogun has been proactive in the area of security by rejigging the State Security Trust Fund, which according to him, had helped in providing patrol vans, communication, and other gadgets to enable security agencies carry out their functions effectively.

 

 

 

 

Abiodun, however, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the use of a Nigeria Police helicopter that has been working and providing air surveillance in the state.

 

 

 

 

He said: “The use of that helicopter greatly assisted us in reducing the response time to kidnap situations and consequently reduced kidnap situations. I understand that the helicopter has been re-assigned for use somewhere else, it is my hope that AIG, you will use your good office to ensure that the helicopter is redeployed back to Ogun State.

“You will note that Ogun has an unusual amount of federal roads compared to other states. We have the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Epe-Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu-Ikorodu, and the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, all these are federal roads. We find out that 80 to 90% of the stretch of these roads are in Ogun State and it is humanly impossible for the men of the Nigeria Police to patrol all those roads as adequately as they require

“But each time we have a distress call on any of those locations, either from Yewa, meaning Imeko, Ipokia all the way to Ogun Waterside or Ijebu-Igbo, the helicopter was able to respond swiftly to the distress calls while your men now move in, thereby ensuring that the kidnappers are not able to leave the immediate corridor before the men arrive. I want to use this opportunity to implore that you help us to discuss with your men of the Air Wing to ensure the speedy return of this helicopter”.

Speaking earlier, AIG Kokumo said Zone 2 comprising Ogun and Lagos States police commands were planning a joint operation between the two commands to fight criminals, particularly at Kara and Under the Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

This, according to him, is to ensure that adequate security is provided for companies, industries, and individuals operating along the axis.

The AIG who hinted that he was in the state on a familiarisation visit, noted that the Zone was working on a synergy between the Marine Olive Units of Lagos and Ogun State command to provide security in the coastal areas.

Kokumo also appreciated the Abiodun-led administration in the state for providing the necessary working tools to the police force, noting “without the commitment of the governor, policing the state would have been difficult”

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NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

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NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

 

Comrade Oyewumi Festus, the leading Presidential Aspirant for the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the substantial increase in the education sector allocation in the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Restoration Budget,” was presented to the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday, December 8, 2024, and earmarked ₦3.5 trillion for education.

NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Comrade Festus described the allocation as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, which he called a significant step toward securing the nation’s future.

Speaking at Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja during his campaign tour on Friday, December 20, 2024, Festus urged the Federal Ministry of Education to channel a considerable portion of the allocation toward polytechnic education. He emphasized that polytechnics are the backbone of Nigeria’s technological development, highlighting their critical role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilled manpower needed for economic growth.

“Nigeria’s polytechnics have long been the cornerstone of the nation’s technological progress. A strong investment in technical and vocational education will drive sustainable development and innovation,” Festus stated.

During the visit, Comrade Festus commended the Kogi State Government and the management of Kogi State Polytechnic for their strides in infrastructure development, prioritizing staff and student welfare, and ensuring campus security. He also extended his gratitude to Governor Ododo for reappointing Professor Usman Ogbo as the institution’s Rector for a second term.

 

As part of his address, Festus appealed for increased support for the Students Union Government (SUG) and the broader student community, emphasizing the need for effective representation that transcends campus boundaries.

The NAPS aspirant was warmly welcomed by the SUG President, Miss Oluwadamilola Enimokanyi, who acknowledged his advocacy and commitment to the advancement of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

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My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

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My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

Dr. Evangelist Rotimi Onimole, famously known as Oba Ara, is a prominent name in the Nigerian gospel music scene. With over two decades of impact, the Lagos-born singer has built a legacy that continues to inspire.
Oba Ara, who has received numerous awards, is celebrated for his unique musical style and his ability to spread the message of God through his songs. Some of his accolades include Best Gospel Musician by Crowd Puller Event Award, Best Newest Gospel Artiste of the Year by Exclusive Magazine, Best Gospel Artist of the Year by Expo Plus Magazine, and an honorary Doctor of Music by INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, among others.
In 2010, Oba Ara released his debut album titled Oba Ara, which not only sold over 30,000 copies but also earned him his stage name through what he describes as divine connection.
Building on this success, he released his second album, Beautiful Testimony (Eri To Rewa), in 2013, which gained international recognition. Both the audio and video versions of the album were widely embraced, with the video being shot in Nigeria and abroad.
His third album, Oba A Ju Lo, is a powerful collection of songs focused on God’s greatness and praises, further cementing his reputation as a leading gospel artist.
Oba Ara is also the pioneer of Jufujigospel music, a unique genre that blends contemporary sounds with traditional gospel.
Beyond his albums, Oba Ara is the brain behind the Power in Praise Concert, an annual event that has featured renowned gospel artists like Evangelist Tope Alabi, Dr. Lanre Teriba (Atorise), Evangelist Dare Melody, and many others.
With a career defined by creativity, divine inspiration, and a passion for spreading the gospel, Oba Ara remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel artists.
My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

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“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

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"US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme"

“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

Mastermind Behind Multimillion-Dollar Drug Operation Jailed
A United States-based Nigerian, Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, 49, have been sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation. The duo used the dark web to distribute over 300,000 oxycodone pills across multiple states, amassing $9 million in profits.


According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, Adegboruwa orchestrated the illegal enterprise, directing associates on procuring, packaging, and distributing the drugs to buyers who placed orders via dark web marketplaces. Payments were received in cryptocurrency, which was later converted into local currency.

The operation ran from October 2016 to May 2019 before law enforcement dismantled it. Adegboruwa was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in November 2024, while Isong received a 10-year sentence in October 2024.


In addition to his prison term, Adegboruwa was ordered to forfeit $20 million, one of the largest financial penalties ever imposed by the District of Utah. The court also mandated a lifetime of supervised release following his incarceration.


During the trial, evidence revealed that Adegboruwa was the operation’s mastermind, overseeing every aspect of the syndicate’s activities. He confessed to controlling the drug sales and managing cryptocurrency accounts used to conceal proceeds.

Prosecutors described the operation as a “continuing criminal enterprise,” with Adegboruwa employing a team to procure pharmacy-grade oxycodone pills, package them, and ship orders to customers across the U.S.


Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, praised the verdict, highlighting the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks, even those operating in the clandestine world of the dark web.
“Adegboruwa’s criminal enterprise was complex, sophisticated, and generated millions in profits concealed in cryptocurrency. This sentencing sends a clear message: drug traffickers have no safe haven, not even in the dark web’s hidden corners,” Pullen said.


The sentencing serves as a grim warning to those exploiting technology for illicit activities, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are vigilant in uncovering and prosecuting such crimes.

 

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